| Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council (BCP Council) is one of the largest employers in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas and plays an important role as an employer, service provider and community leader. The council is committed to demonstrating respect for difference, working proactively to eliminate discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity for all and building positive relationships and understanding between people of different backgrounds who live, work or visit the communities that it serves. There has been considerable change to the demographic profile of the BCP Council area over the past two decades. However, the workforce profile has remained largely unchanged. This means that BCP Council is not where it would like to be in terms of its workforce profile being representative of the communities which it serves. This is notable in the most senior positions within the organisation. The council wants to build an inclusive culture to attract and retain diverse talent. Following the good practice applied previously at Bournemouth Borough Council, BCP Council is establishing an Independent Observers initiative to improve the transparency of recruitment and selection processes and in turn the trust and confidence within underrepresented groups. Why get involved? Independent Observers will: • gain valuable employment transferable skills (particularly appropriate to HR ‘Human Resources’ / personnel related jobs in the public and private sectors) • have been able to act as an equality and diversity champion in being involved in activities that increase the transparency of council recruitment processes If you want to find out more If you are interested in applying to become one of the volunteer independent observers, please read the role description and complete the application form here by 10.00am Monday 31 January. Selection for this voluntary role is being led by Dorset Race Equality Council. Questions about the role before applying can be emailed to Nathalie Sherring, Chief Officer of Dorset Race Equality Council at [email protected]  |
| Role Description (this is a summary of the tasks of an Independent Observer) • Act as a champion of equality and diversity, independently observing senior recruitment processes from shortlisting through to selection • Independently score core candidates using the criteria set by the recruitment panel (whilst scores do not count towards the overall appointment, your opinions are valued and significant differences in scoring can be challenged with the recruitment panel) • Provide feedback around inclusivity to the recruitment panel which in turn will be used by the council to adapt our approach where required As an Independent Observer you won’t be called upon every day, there will be a number of other independent observers and once trained you will be emailed about senior recruitment processes taking place and can opt-in to the ones you want to observe. Once you sign-up we would expect you to be available for all relevant meetings/interview processes to see it through from shortlisting through to selection. Please note, this will require availability primarily in the daytime however you can choose the recruitment processes that you are available for. Please note that an independent observer is a voluntary role and acceptance by the council is not an offer of employment, and as such will remain unpaid. However, reasonable expenses incurred in order to carry out activity related to the role will be paid i.e. those related to travel, refreshments and childcare. We’re looking for someone who: • Is committed to improve equality, diversity and inclusion • Can be flexible to see a recruitment process through from shortlisting to selection • Has sufficient verbal and written communication to undertake the role • Can maintain confidentiality • Can be objective Previous experience in recruitment and selection, interviewing, or within Human Resources (HR) are not essential requirements as you will undertake comprehensive recruitment and selection training. Eligibility criteria (you need to meet all of these to apply): Applicants must: • be from an underrepresented group (for example people with disabilities, those from a Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority backgrounds, those from the LGBTQ+ community) • be aged 18 years or older • be able to attend all relevant meetings throughout any recruitment, selection and appointment process for a specific post as relevant • be committed to the advancement of equality for all people • live or work in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole • have access to an internet-enabled device to read documents and join meetings online when required. Successful applicants must complete relevant training prior to taking up the role as an Independent Observer. Training will take place on Tuesday 08 March 1:00pm – 4:00pm and Thursday 10 March 9.30am- 12.30pm. You only need to be available for one of these sessions. How to apply If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, we’d love to hear from you! Please complete the application form here by 10.00am Monday 31 January. Applicants are asked to explain: • why this role is of interest to you? • why you should be considered for the role? • how you would add value to the process? / what you can bring to the role? We’d like to understand a bit more about you, your drivers for applying and any experience of relevance which would be of benefit to an Independent Observer using the role description above. If you are shortlisted to the next stage, you will be invited for an informal phone conversation to get to know a bit more about you and your interest in the role and you can ask any questions you may have. Selection for this voluntary role is being led by Dorset Race Equality Council. Questions about the role before applying can be emailed to Nathalie Sherring, Chief Officer of Dorset Race Equality Council at [email protected] |
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